Commemorating the Queen's 70 years of dutiful service
Ihave inherited over the years a collection of commemorative mugs – most of which came from my grandmother, who was an avid collector of royal memorabilia.
Most people have one or two lurking in a cupboard or an unpacked box somewhere in the house along with the odd commemorative coin, plate or even a collection of stamps.
This week I have dusted mine down and put them on the kitchen mantlepiece, in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Each of mine celebrates a particular royal event from the past – even the Coronation of Edward VIII that never was.
All of them were produced in huge quantities at the time and as a result are worth very little today – £10 at the most. Not that I’m planning to sell them.
On the contrary, this year I may well be adding another to the collection.
Putting my commemorative mugs on display, however, is not the only way in which I will be celebrating the Platinum Jubilee this year.
Like many others, I have been invited to at least one local street party and am even hosting a garden party myself.
Along with the congregation of Holy Spirit Southsea, on Fawcett Road, I will also be celebrating this unique anniversary in church - not least at a service of choral evensong on tomorrow (Saturday) at 6.30pm.
We will be welcoming the former Dean of Westminster Abbey, the Very Rev Dr John Hall, who knows the Royal Family well, as the preacher. All are most welcome at this event.
In 1947, when she was just
21, the then Princess Elizabeth said in a birthday speech to the Commonwealth: ‘I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service.’
It is a vow which for 70 years Queen Elizabeth II has kept.
Dutiful, conscientious, and committed to that vow, she has been a constant, stable and impartial figure during 70 years of progress and change.
She is an example of how to be an uncomplicated, but committed Christian.
A woman of great courage, discipline and faith.
This weekend, we have an opportunity, in whatever way we each consider fitting, to celebrate those attributes – as well as pray.
God save the Queen!